[Histonet] Billing IHC on MOHS

[Mark Tarango]

Carol,

Its nice to hear this isn't a regular thing.  In reading your original
question, it sounded like you were excited to be charging five times for
those immunos and you were ready to argue for it.  Apparently that was not
the case, you wanted more information and thoughts on the subject.

I once worked for a MOHS surgeon who had billing practices with which I did
not agree.  It was the reason I quit.  I'm glad there are people of high
integrity, such as your group, doing this work.

Mark

On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Carol Torrence wrote:

> I have nothing more to add regarding this subject but would like to
> address concerns expressed here that touch on fairness, frequency, cost and
> the abilities of techs and surgeons.****
>
> ** **
>
> This was a very rare incident involving scar tissue and tumor.  Our Mohs
> lab does not do immunos, our pathology lab does.  My quest was to learn
> more about what constitutes a block.  We stained 5 slides that were the
> same ‘stage’ (one block)….’to be sure there would be no ‘fall offs’. We do
> not want to put the patient through more waiting than necessary.   I was
> not trying to charge for each slide I stained or gouge the patient.  My
> quest was for “correct coding” not what “can” I charge.  I certified as a
> CPC in 2005 but do not practice in that field.  That said, I have a  good
> grasp as to the seriousness of the subject of coding and documentation.***
> *
>
> ** **
>
> I have 30 plus years of experience in histology including management.   I
> have always had the pleasure of working with physicians of high integrity
> and continue to do so in the area of dermatology.  The majority of my time
> has been spent in a large medical center where coding questions could be
> addressed ‘in house’ so to speak.  When I was consulted by the surgeon
> regarding coding this case, our search for the correct coding stems from
> the level of integrity we practice on a daily basis.  I consulted the *American
> Society for Mohs Surgery* (*ASMS*) as was suggested and they do not offer
> coding advice.  I was told that they are an administrative office and
> suggested that I contact AAD.****
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks for sharing your thoughts and listening to mine.****
>
> ** **
>
> Have a good day!  Onward and upward!****
>
> Carol M. Torrence, HT(ASCP)CM ****
>
> ctorrence <@t> kmcpa.com <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'ctorrence <@t> kmcpa.com');>***
> *
>
> ** **
>
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